Why Haven't Republicans Returned Vitter Contributions?

June 09, 2011 2:13 pm ET —
Jamison Foser

The National Republican
Congressional Committee (NRCC) is calling on Democrats to return campaign
contributions received from Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) in the wake of Weiner's
controversial tweets. But the GOP's belief that members of Congress should
return contributions received from scandal-plagued colleagues is rather intermittent.

In 2008, for example,
the NRCC called for Democrats to return contributions received from then-New
York Governor Eliot Spitzer — but, as Citizens for Ethics And Responsibility
in Washington (CREW) noted at the time, Republicans had not returned
contributions from Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) despite his solicitation
of prostitutes. In fact, CREW noted, "Rather than being condemned and ostracized,
Sen. Vitter received a standing ovation at a Republican Caucus luncheon after
his transgressions became public."

Furthermore, about 14 Republicans never returned
contributions from the GOP's own shirtless cyber hound, former New York Rep.
Chris Lee, who quit after his lewd flirtations on Cragslist came to light.
Among recipients of his cash were fellow New York GOP Reps. Nan Hayworth, Ann
Marie Buerkle, Tom Reed and Chris Gibson.

Government officials must obey all laws, not
just those with which they agree. We do not, however, advocate returning legal
campaign donations made by officials who broke the law when the contributions
are in no way tied to the illegal activity. Nevertheless, we note that what is
good for the goose should be good for the gander and, therefore, point out the
following contributions made by Sen. Vitter.